Translated by Wendy Cross

She lies down, stretching out across the trunk of a walnut tree cut during the spring.

All that's left of its bark are a few shreds, gradually withering away. 

With her back resting between two branches, she gazes at the clear sky of the mid-August night. 

Perhaps a shooting star will trace its curve in the dark sky, studded with glowing light. She will not hesitate to make a spontaneous wish; her head is full of them.

Deep in thought, lulled by the sway of the warm breeze, a soft smile spreads across her peaceful face. 

Tonight, Nature is winking at her and cradling her in its arms.
A far-off nightingale makes a melancholy lament.
The crickets have fallen silent.
The wind's soft breath soothes the burns from the hot hours of summer sun.
The oak tree trembles and seems to yawn. 

The moon, huge tonight, is made of honey and brown sugar.

© Short Édition - All Rights Reserved

You might also like…

Short Fiction
Short Fiction

Stick Better

Taffeta Chime

I watched as one wave of people flowed off the train and another wave flowed on—just like the waves at the beach pushing and pulling on my toes. I wagged my feet as I remembered the sensation. I ...  [+]

Short Fiction

Tancred's Powders

Régine Raymond

Tancred and his sidekicks used to cast a multitude of spells. Their saddlebags were filled to the brim with greed-powder for the jealous and cannon-powder for the violent. Smoke-and-mirrors-powde ...  [+]